In 1762, a French critic wrote of Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer’s flower paintings, “He imparted a freshness and a truth so perfect to all he painted that one was convinced that nothing was lacking in these beautiful flowers but the scent they seemed to exhale.” The elaborate arrangement in this painting seems too grand for its simple wicker basket. The painter carefully plotted delicate color arrangements: large red and white blooms are balanced by green foliage throughout.